Oscar

[yuvala 2,167]

Like it or not, Oscar is a goalscorer. He has consistently been one of our top goalscorers in each season since he's been here. In fact, Oscar, who we know usually goes AWOL in the second half of seasons, still has more goals and assists than Willian.

Oscar:

12/13 - 12 goals, 10 assists

13/14 - 11 goals, 6 assists

14/15 - 7 goals, 9 assists

Total - 30 goals and 25 assists in all competitions

Willian:

13/14 - 4 goals, 6 assists

14/15 - 4 goals, 5 assists

Total - 8 goals and 11 assists in all competitions

I'm sorry but our team's incredible lack of goalscorers doesn't really make Oscar one.

[Jase 43,479]

I'm sorry but our team's incredible lack of goalscorers doesn't really make Oscar one.

This is a midfielder we're talking about here and to have scored at least 10 goals in 2 of the 3 seasons since Oscar has been here is a pretty decent return. You can't expect everyone to be like Lampard on top of that, had Oscar been more consistent in the last 3 seasons, his goal and assists stats could have been even better.

[MrBlueGuy 1,552]

The issue with him is that he seems to have stood still for 3 years now, he never really improved that much over the years if at all and that is not good for someone of his potential. I mean Hazard was ok for the 1st year, great in 13-14 and truly got to new level last season, Oscar when he signed was expected to follow a similar path but instead his curve seems to be a straight line instead of a upward one. He is sort of a 'decent' attacking mid but that is about it really, probably will get around 10-20 goals and assists combined every year in a team like Spurs but clearly he won't be able to do that here.

[yuvala 2,167]

This is a midfielder we're talking about here and to have scored at least 10 goals in 2 of the 3 seasons since Oscar has been here is a pretty decent return. You can't expect everyone to be like Lampard on top of that, had Oscar been more consistent in the last 3 seasons, his goal and assists stats could have been even better.

Yea it's decent. I just wouldn't label him a "goalscorer".

[Gilvorak 3,734]

Shame Oscar picked up that injury. It was so fun not reading the same regurgitated bile for once. Btw, take away penalties & Oscar had a better Goals/assists per minute ratio than Hazard.

[CurlyHairLikeLuiz 1,625]

Well, it's pretty simple really, isn't it. Either me and Gilvo were correct in saying that the lack of pre season has stopped Oscar being consistent in the latter part of the season, and his goals go up to 15 or so and his assists accordingly (good for an AM) or he bottles it and he fucks off this time next season.

[Unionjack 7,531]

We haven't had a PROPER number 10 for awhile now.

Yeah OK Oscar runs around, he has touches of sheer brilliance and he offers OK up field defence but his goals and assists have gone down over the last 3 seasons and we really should try to get an upgrade.

Its a position that needs a specialist and neither Willian nor Cescy can do it proper.

[OhForAGreavsie 5,898]

Well, it's pretty simple really, isn't it. Either me and Gilvo were correct in saying that the lack of pre season has stopped Oscar being consistent in the latter part of the season, and his goals go up to 15 or so and his assists accordingly (good for an AM) or he bottles it and he fucks off this time next season.

Fairish. I say that because, for me, if Oscar fails to deliver this season it will be because he isn't good enough, not because he's bottled it.

I've long held a different view to yours. For me it is no more than an excuse to blame Oscar's woes on too much football, too little rest and truncated preseasons. While the lad is undoubtedly the best number 10 we have he is, in my opinion, simply not good enough to hold down that role for team hoping to be be competitive at the very top of the game.

By the way I have never accepted the widely held view that Oscar is consistent before Christmas and inconsistent after it. I see him as inconsistent all the time, it's just that by Christamas coaches tire of waiting for things to improve.

In fact this whole consistent/inconsistent argument is one of the great myths of football. All players are inconsistent, all the time. It is just that with some players, players like Oscar I suggest, their contribution is only good enough when they are at the very top of their game. David Silva has good games and bad games but, even when he's bad, it's clear that he's a top quality number 10. That is barely true of Oscar even when he's at the top of his performance range.

[Unionjack 7,531]

Fairish. I say that because, for me, if Oscar fails to deliver this season it will be because he isn't good enough, not because he's bottled it.

I've long held a different view to yours. For me it is no more than an excuse to blame Oscar's woes on too much football, too little rest and truncated preseasons. While the lad is undoubtedly the best number 10 we have he is, in my opinion, simply not good enough to hold down that role for team hoping to be be competitive at the very top of the game.

By the way I have never accepted the widely held view that Oscar is consistent before Christmas and inconsistent after it. I see him as inconsistent all the time, it's just that by Christamas coaches tire of waiting for things to improve.

In fact this whole consistent/inconsistent argument is one of the great myths of football. All players are inconsistent, all the time. It is just that with some players, players like Oscar I suggest, their contribution is only good enough when they are at the very top of their game. David Silva has good games and bad games but, even when he's bad, it's clear that he's a top quality number 10. That is barely true of Oscar even when he's at the top of his performance range.

Hes right ya know.

Its not like I dont like the lad and Im not in a rush to get rid of him as we need depth. But I'd love us to get someone that could make a difference for us.

[iseah100 5,612]

Where is HE!?!?!?!

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Where is HE!?!?!?!

Off to Juve

[coolhead23 1,146]

Where is HE!?!?!?!

Wasn't he injured and Jose had already mentioned he wouldnt feature in the City and West Brom games ...

[Jase 43,479]

Where is HE!?!?!?!

Mourinho said he's still injured in his presser on Friday.

[Unionjack 7,531]

Ive not seen owt about what this injury is. Has anyone else?

Guess it must be muscular.

[Special Juan 27,439]

Going find it even tougher to force his way in after what I think is our strongest front three behind Costa.

Costa

Hazard Willian Pedro

[Unionjack 7,531]

Going find it even tougher to force his way in after what I think is our strongest front three behind Costa.

Costa

Hazard Willian Pedro

Maybe not even Willian with a bit of luck and a call from Mou?

[iseah100 5,612]

Going find it even tougher to force his way in after what I think is our strongest front three behind Costa.

Costa

Hazard Willian Pedro

If we get Pogba then he's gone.

[Clockwork 1,794]

If we get Pogba then he's gone.

Doesn't he become more valuable to keep though. Pogba comes we switch to 4-3-3 most likely right? Who are the alternatives to Cesc and Pogba? Ramires and RLC? Definitely would be wise to do everything to keep him.

Based on merit I have no doubt Oscar can displace Cesc, unless Mou does a Flipe Luis to him. Oscar and Pogba are much more balanced duo.